Peter Dutton
Leader of the Opposition, Member for Dickson
About Peter
Peter started his working life working part time after school in a butcher’s shop.
He later started a small family business which grew to employ 40 Australians.
For nine years, Peter served his community as a Police Officer.
He worked in the National Crime Authority and Drug and Sex Offenders Squads, with a focus on protecting women and children.
Peter was elected to Parliament in 2001. In 2006 John Howard appointed him Assistant Treasurer.
During his time as Minister for Health, Peter increased hospital funding by 16% over two years and established the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
As Home Affairs Minister, Peter oversaw critical agencies like the Australian Federal Police and ASIO.
As Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter was responsible for deporting thousands of violent criminals, overseeing Operation Sovereign Borders, and removing all children from detention.
As Minister for Defence, Peter delivered record funding for vital equipment to keep our country safe. He also helped deliver the AUKUS security partnership with the UK and the United States.
Peter is married to Kirilly and is the proud father of Rebecca, Harry and Tom.
The Latest From Peter
Stay up to date with Peter’s social content.
Small businesses on the Central Coast are vital to both the local and national economy, and the Coalition is proud to support them.
Today, I joined @lucywickscc and @brendansmall4dobell at the Gosford Erina Business Chamber to meet with local business leaders and discuss opportunities to grow the region.
Small businesses are the heart of our communities, but rising costs and staff shortages are making it harder for local cafes and restaurants to stay afloat.
That’s why we’ll let small businesses claim up to $20,000 a year in tax deductions for meals and hospitality—helping cafes, restaurants and pubs bring in more customers and support local jobs.
@giselekapterian4bradfield is fighting for small businesses in Bradfield, because small businesses are the engine room of our economy and we need this sector to succeed.
Jewish Australians have endured unimaginable fear and heartbreak due to rising anti-Semitism in our country, as we saw in Dover Heights last week. The hate and violence must end.
The Coalition is committed to combating anti-Semitism with decisive action, ensuring a united national approach to protect families, places of worship, and communities across Australia.
Today we announced important measures to confront the scourge of anti-Semitism head-on. This is a national crisis which requires national leadership.
This morning, I visited the Central Synagogue with Senator James Paterson, Julian Leeser MP, and Ro Knox for Wentworth to meet with victims of recent attacks and hear directly from the Jewish community about the challenges they face.
This election is about focusing on what matters to Australians.
Today in Ryan, alongside @david_crisafulli, @brisbane.lordmayor, @maggieforrestlnp, our @lnpqld candidates, MPs, senators, and a sea of blue, I outlined our plan to tackle the cost of living, deliver cheaper and consistent energy, make housing more affordable, and create safer communities.
With a strong team and clear priorities, we’re ready to get Australia Back on Track.
Anti-Semitism has surged by more than 700 per cent in our country. It should never have come to this.
When vile acts unfolded on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, strong leadership could have stopped the spread of hate in its tracks.
Instead, Australians were met with weakness from the Prime Minister.
In November 2023, I wrote to the Prime Minister asking him to convene a National Cabinet meeting on the rising tide of anti-Semitism. He refused. This week, I wrote to him again calling for a National Cabinet meeting to address this urgent crisis and ensure Jewish Australians feel safe in their own country. Enough is enough.
A government I lead will focus on easing cost-of-living pressures—helping small businesses, supporting families, and strengthening our economy so Australians can get ahead.
We met with IGA Brighton staff and customers in Tasmania to discuss the challenges that businesses and families are facing.
We need a government that tackles cost-of-living pressures and makes it easier—not harder—for struggling Australians to get ahead. Together, we can get Australia Back on Track.
Community safety is critical across Australia and that’s why the Coalition will invest in a revitalised Safer Communities Fund to make public spaces across Australia safer and more secure.
Today I visited Tynwald Park in New Norfolk in Tassie, where a Dutton Coalition Government would invest in practical security upgrades here, ensuring families can enjoy this space with peace of mind.
It was great to have a kick with @susie.bower and local families who know how important it is to invest in spaces that bring communities together.
Together, we’ll deliver safer, stronger communities for Australians.
The fires in the Grampians and Halls Gap have devastated lives and businesses, leaving families and small businesses facing enormous challenges.
Local wineries, accommodation, and tourism operators need our help to recover. If you’re planning a holiday this year, consider Halls Gap and the Grampians.
Let’s show them the strength of our support.
The Grampians region is open for business—including all the incredible small businesses, tourism operators, and the Halls Gap Zoo.
This year’s fires have deeply impacted the area, but the Grampians and Halls Gap are ready to welcome you back.
If you`re planning a holiday this year, consider Halls Gap and the Grampians. Your visit can make a real difference for the families, small businesses, tourism operators, and community hubs working hard to recover.
The fires that swept through Pomonal in February 2024 left a lasting impact on the community. Yet in the face of such devastation, the dedication and bravery of our emergency workers stood tall.
Today, I joined the incredible volunteers of the Pomonal CFA, along with members from the Halls Gap and Moyston CFAs, to express my gratitude for their tireless efforts to protect lives and livelihoods during those fires.
It was an honour to present @dantehan`s 2024 Wannon Volunteer Award to the Pomonal CFA, recognising their selfless service to their community in its time of need.
To all those who have fought the fires and supported recovery efforts—thank you for all you do.
We will restore pride in our nation by reinstating Australia Day citizenship ceremonies within the first 100 days of government. It`s time to unite, stand together, and celebrate what it means to be Australian.
The Coalition’s commitment to upgrading the nbn will deliver a more reliable internet—particularly for regional areas—great news for businesses like @conetixhosting in Ipswich and their customers who depend on strong internet connections.
@davidcolemanmp, @senator_scarr, @mayorteresaharding and I sat down with Conetix, members of the Ipswich and Springfield chambers of commerce, and our fantastic new candidate for Blair, Carl Mutzelburg. They shared how rising energy costs, housing affordability, and the cost of living are putting immense pressure on their operations and livelihoods.
These are the issues we’re determined to tackle to get Australia Back on Track.
Achievements in Government
DEFENCE
Peter Dutton served as Australia’s Minister for Defence from March 2021 until May 2022. During this period,
Peter:
- Negotiated AUKUS – the most significant advance in Australia’s defence capability in history.
Australia will now acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and is just the second country (after the UK) to benefit from this US technology. - Restored Defence Funding to 2% of GDP.
This followed Labor slashing Defence funding to lowest level since 1938. - Oversaw the most significant national shipbuilding enterprise since World War II.
- Delivered “REDSPICE” – Australia’s largest investment in intelligence and cyber capabilities.
REDSPICE triples Australia’s offensive cyber capabilities. And doubles our ability to detect and respond to cyber attacks.
HOME AFFAIRS
Peter Dutton was Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs (2017 to 2021) and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (2014 to 2018). As Minister, Peter Dutton:
- Ensured no illegal boat arrivals and saw all children removed from detention.
- Cancelled visas of 6,300 non-citizen dangerous criminals – including for domestic violence, child sex offenses, assault and armed robbery.
- Established world-leading Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
- Closed Australia’s borders early in COVID-19 pandemic – helping save around 40,000 lives.
During this period:
- Security agencies thwarted over 20 terrorist attacks, with ASIO and AFP having record funding and
strengthened powers. - Westpac was hit with largest fine in Australian history ($1.3 billion) for contravening anti-terror and
anti-money laundering legislation.
HEALTH
As Health Minister (2013 to 2014), Peter Dutton:
- Increased hospital funding by 16%.
From $13.3 billion in 2012-13 to $15.5 billion in 2014-15. - Increased overall health funding 5.5%
From $62.2 billion in 2012-13 to $65.6 billion in 2014-15. - Established Australia’s $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
- Expanded youth mental health service Headspace – to 100 centres in 2014 Budget.
After successfully lobbying for 60 centres as Shadow Minister in 2010. - Expanded bowel cancer screening for 50–74-year-olds.
Cancer Council said this would save 35,000 lives over the next 40 years. - Delivered more GP training places and nursing scholarships.
ASSISTANT TREASURER
As Assistant Treasurer (2006 and 2007), Peter Dutton was part of John Howard and Peter Costello’s economic team that delivered surpluses and lowered taxes.
- Oversaw the expansion of the superannuation co-contribution scheme.
Helping low- and middle-income earners – and particularly women – to save for their retirement. - Simplified the tax system, reducing compliance costs for small business and providing greater support for primary producers suffering through drought.
- Reformed and simplified the fuel tax system for Australian businesses.